Parker VHE 20ga

[Marcus Hoogewind]

I mostly collect Winchester Model 12, 42, 70 and am a diehard all original kind of guy. I've always wanted a Parker 20 ga with open chokes. I am fortunate enough to know the Bachelder's personally and grew up going into the shop with my Dad. I've seen first hand what Brad can do with a Parker, give it a new lease on life and truly "restore" it to it's original glory. I wouldn't be making any money off the restoration but would likely break even if I was in a bind and had to sell. If I use it for 20-30 years, will it "need" a restoration? I don't know.

On the other hand I could leave it alone, have less into it and enjoy it just as much. This is my dilemma, I appreciate the opinions and comments.

Marc

[C.O.B.]

Originally Posted by Marcus Hoogewind

I mostly collect Winchester Model 12, 42, 70 and am a diehard all original kind of guy.


Marc

First off you have chosen a very nice example of a Parker shotgun for your first one. IMHO I would leave it as is. I REALLY doubt you would recoup the cost of restoration if you needed to sell it.

I have gone through the M12 phase but would still like a nice M42 solid rib skeet gun and I collect Pre 64 M70's so I ask you if this was a Winchester within your collector realm would you refinish it?

[Bill Murphy]

In answer to Rich's anecdote about Winchesters, I could not send a field used Model 42 solid rib skeet to the refinishers. I just bought a field used solid rib Skeet Grade 42 for $2100, a great price. Refinished for about $1000, it would probably be worth about $2800 or $3000, not a bad deal. However, if the refinish didn't come out perfectly, it would be back to $2100. Conversely, in seven years, the original gun would probably be worth more than the refinished gun. I will defer to Rich's opinion of my figures. I could go either way on the gun in question. However, an unmolested VHE 20, even in field used condition, is a rare bird.

[Bill Murphy]

A thought to consider. Every year, there are thousands more Winchester pump guns being refinished, as well as hundreds more Parker 20s being refinished. If you do the math, every year, there are thousands fewer original Winchester pump guns available and hundreds fewer original Parker 20s available for the market. As I said earlier, I am on the edge on this particular gun. If it were mine, I would be using it as is. In fifty years of collecting Winchesters, I have had one Model 12 and two Model 42s worked on. The Model 12 was not successful and the two Model 42s were successfully "tweaked" by someone whose work probably can't be duplicated at any reasonable price. That is the extent of my Winchester refinishing history in fifty years and probably 100 guns.

[Marcus Hoogewind]

You all make some very good and convincing points. I'll have the gun gone through mechanically and professionally cleaned and likely leave it as it is. I was on the fence about the restoration but not crazy about the monetary investment. The money I save on not doing the restoration I can put into another Parker or more Winchester.

[Double Lab]

In my opinion Marcus, money well spent. Good luck with your next Parker.

[C.O.B.]

They are only original once. Enjoy it the way it is and pass it to the next caretaker when it's time.

[Marcus Hoogewind]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Good luck with your next Parker.

Looking for a nice 16 ga M/F for pheasants, or really any nice 20 gauges....Would love a 28ga but can't afford one...yet.

Thanks again.

Marc

[C.O.B.]

Do you have a price range in mind?